Jesse Montalto believes the Iowa Central defense will be just as athletic and deep as it has been in recent years.
Behind a handful of returning talent mixed with some key transfers, the Tritons will look to continue the momentum generated by back-to-back Graphic Edge Bowl victories this spring.
Iowa Central opens the schedule at Dodger Stadium on Saturday vs. Southern-Shreveport beginning at noon.
"We've closed the gap in terms of how big and strong our kids have gotten compared to some of the other programs like Hutchinson," Montalto said. "With the extra time between seasons, our kids have really hit the weight-room hard, putting in a lot of time and hours to grow into bigger, strong football players."
Upfront, returning starter Romello Gray returns to anchor the defensive line. The former Ankeny High School standout recorded 32 tackles and a sack last year. Next to Gray will be defensive ends Tristin Waugh and Ryan Johnson, a pair of sophomores.
Waugh, who earned all-conference honors as a long-snapper last year, also made 22 tackles including 3.5 for loss.
Freshman Dylan Cain, Mitch Bawek and Noah Epley occupy the linebacker duties with Western Kentucky transfer Malik Occiur in a rover spot to attack and pressure.
"Malik is just a different type of player," Montalto said. "He was a safety and we transitioned him into a new role. He's a lot like former All-American Daquan Cross in that he runs very well and is a good fit for us."
The secondary, Montalto says, could be "our best and deepest position."
Major Williams is a transfer from Virginia that was a three-star recruit coming out of high school. He will start at one corner with Ahmond Glass at the other. Kingston McKinstry, who has committed to East Carolina, is the starting strong safety with CJ Christian at free safety.
McKinstry had 21 tackles and broke up four passes as a freshman.
The Tritons also have Josh Reid and a handful of others that can make big plays and limit the opposing offenses.
"Major is a special kid that leads the group," Montalto said. "We call CJ the 'Honey Badger' because he just finds ways to make plays all the time. Josh is a really good football player who is being recruited by Deion Sanders at Jackson State.
"We've got some good young kids that are special on the back end of our defense."
Colin Swygman and Jacob Tokheim return to handle placekicking and punting duties. Swygman, who made the game-winner in the Graphic Edge Bowl, was 9-for-14 on field goals and 30 of 37 on extra-point attempts in 2019. Tokheim averaged over 34 yards per punt.
"They both have really gotten much stronger," Montalto said.
Jeremy Conley returns as the defensive coordinator while also working with inside linebackers. Turrell Foster is back as the defensive line coach with Dave Mann handling special teams and outside linebacker duties. New addition Gregory Trent serves as the secondary coach.
-By Dana Becker